St Anthony's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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119698 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2007 Inspection date Vivienne Rose Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 17,15, and 12 years. They live in Bethnal Green in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. The childminder uses the living room, and the kitchen/diner for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding nine children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder works part-time as a teacher and therefore childminds on a part time basis three days a week. She is a member of the approved childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from the spread of infection as they have their own flannels for hand washing. Younger children are well supported as the childminder follows effective nappy

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 changing routines, using a changing mat which is sterilised after each use. Older children's personal independence is promoted as they are encouraged, and they know that they need to use soap to wash their hands. Their understanding is promoted through discussion and reinforcement as it becomes a game when they wash their hands at the sink using the soap and discussing germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and well-being is supported through the accident and medication documentation. The childminder has developed a policy for sick children. Children can be treated promptly in the event of an accident as there is a well stocked first aid kit at the home and adequate precautions are taken when the children take part in outings. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and she records accidents when they occur and has written permission for emergency treatment to support children's welfare. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy physical activities and fresh air when they go on local walks to the park and visit play facilities, such as toddler groups and childminder drop-ins.

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Helping children to be healthy

Younger children's emotional health and well-being is effectively supported as they have a close relationship with the childminder. She provides gentle reassurance when the children show a little anxiety when visitors are present.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are clearly recorded on their individual records. A healthy eating policy is shared with parents and this demonstrates the childminder's knowledge and understanding of healthy eating. For example, lunches include pasta and pesto, fresh cucumber, cheese and olives which the children enjoy. Snacks are given of raisins, crackers and fresh fruit and the children enjoy choosing their favourite fruit which they have been taken to buy in the local market. Drinking water is provided throughout the day and children are reminded in case they become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is a priority and they are effectively supervised by the childminder in a secure environment. They enjoy using well maintained toys and equipment which are checked regularly for safety to ensure they are suitable. The outdoor area is regularly checked for safety to ensure their children do not access any hazards. Resources are stored at low-level and children can access them safely this ensures their independence and choice. They freely request toys from the bedroom to develop their play for example, when they ask for the cooker hob to play with. Children learn about safety when they go out and are crossing the roads. They are learning to wait and watch for the green man before crossing to promote their safety and well-being. Regular evacuation procedures are practised and help children to know how to leave the premises quickly in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect because of the childminder's secure knowledge of child protection issues. She has completed training and knows the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and she understands the procedures to follow. She effectively records incidents which occur outside of the childminding home to safeguard the welfare of the children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children take part in a broad range of well planned activities to promote their individual development and progress. They enjoy a high level of interaction with the childminder and she uses positive reinforcement and expressions to encourage their vocabulary and language skills. The children select toys at low-level which are provided for them to explore and to help them to develop skills. These include early mark making on the white board, puzzles, books, role play and messy play. Children are happy and secure, seeking the childminder for reassurance and enjoying cuddles and support. They enjoy listening to stories and handling books for example, when they name the characters in the garden and they are encouraged to lift the flap to see what is behind. The childminder extends the children's language and understanding when she asks 'look, what's in the mud'? Children's natural curiosity is developed when the clock chimes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and the childminder reminds them that the mouse runs up the clock, 'lets find the mouse' and they all rush off to find the mouse. This excellent interaction, encouragement and extension of children's interests support their learning and sense of fun. The childminder regularly observes the children and has detailed plans for their development. These observations help her to provide appropriate challenges for children. Children enjoy outings to local parks and making the dough at home with the childminder which contributes to their social skills and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy a warm welcoming environment. The child focused atmosphere and the display of children's art work help the children to feel welcome and gives them a sense of belonging. Children begin to learn about their own culture and those of others when they are introduced to variety of cultural traditions. They take part in craft activities making Rangoli patterns and read books on Hanukah. Younger children's routines are followed to ensure that they receive consistent care and they are happy and settled. Children's behaviour is managed well through the use of praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour when she says 'we have to share please ' and 'good waiting'. The childminder nurtures the children's self-esteem by supporting their emotional development well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed written policies and procedures for parents. The childminder completes developmental feedback sheets for the children and these are shared with parents on a monthly basis. This provides a clear picture of children's daily routines and progress. There is a clear complaints procedure, however, the methodology for recording complaints is in need of updating in line with current legislation.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to ongoing training. She has attended many workshops and courses to keep her well informed of new ideas and good childcare practice. The regular self evaluation of her practice ensures that she is meeting the needs of the children appropriately.

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Organisation

The space is organised effectively to ensure that children's needs are met. There are suitable places for older children to enjoy their toys and games and access resources, for example the computer, while toddlers can play safely.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Written polices and procedures are in place and cover all aspects of the care provided, reflecting the childminder's good daily practice. Parents are free to view all policy documentation and children's observational records. Paperwork relating to children is kept confidentially within the home to protect their privacy. The procedures for safeguarding and complaints are in need of updating in line with recent changes.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her resources to include images of people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This enables children to develop a sensitive awareness of the needs of others through discussion and interaction with the childminder.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the child protection policy and the methodology for recording complaints is updated in line with current legislation

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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